Round 9 match report | Vixens vs Firebirds

The match also marked a memorable milestone for captain Kate Moloney, who stepped out for her 200th national league appearance. With Heritage Round celebrations and Mother’s Day recognised throughout the day, the atmosphere made for a memorable occasion for the Vixens and their supp

Q1 | Vixens 16 – 14 Firebirds
The Vixens started strongly with powerful drives through the midcourt and a disciplined defensive effort, with Rudi Ellis (8 gains, 5 rebounds, 4 deflections) and Jo Weston (7 deflections, 4 gains) combining for an intercept each off the back end. Their momentum helped build a solid early lead, forcing a Firebirds timeout as they headed into the power five. Up front, the connection between Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin was seamless, with both shooting at 100% accuracy (8/8) for the term. For the Firebirds, Mary Cholhok posed a constant threat in the circle in a tough contest against Ellis, but the Vixens held firm to take a 16–14 lead into quarter time.

Q2 | Vixens 35 – 25 Firebirds
Kate Moloney (15 goal assists, 15 feeds) continued to lead from the front, providing strong vocal direction and composure through the midcourt as the Vixens maintained their attacking style, with Zara Walters (31 feeds, 17 goal assists) , Kate Eddy (5 pickups, 2 gains) and Moloney combining effectively to control play. It was a highly competitive quarter, with tactical timeouts called by both teams as momentum shifted. Kiera Austin (21/24, 15 feeds) made a major impact under pressure, landing the first supershot of the game to extend the margin to a nine-point advantage, before backing it up with another moments later. The Vixens’ smooth ball movement into the circle continued to pay off, allowing them to extend their lead and head into half time up by 10 points.

Q3 | Vixens 51 – 40 Firebirds
Kate Eddy was reliable with strong defensive pressure, helping the Vixens maintain the lead they established in the first half. The Vixens continued to apply intensity across the court, with their attacking end remaining composed and effective despite the lifted pressure from the opposition defence. Lily Graham (2/3, 6 goal assists) entered the attacking end and added energy to the Vixens’ front line, while the team’s ball movement from end to end remained commanding and controlled. Under the post, Sophie Garbin (44/48, 9 feeds) continued her consistent form, providing a steady target as the Vixens closed out the term with an 11-point lead.

Q4 | Vixens 71 – 48 Firebirds
The Vixens maintained their strong hold on the contest in the final term, with their chemistry across the court continuing to shine as they applied relentless pressure to the Firebirds. Kate Moloney chased down every ball, embodying the Vixens’ hard-working style and setting the standard through the midcourt, while Rudi Ellis’ pressure in the defensive end remained constant and disruptive throughout the quarter. The Vixens’ focus and determination never wavered, allowing them to close out an emphatic 71–48 victory to secure their ninth straight win of the season and remain undefeated, the best start to a season in Melbourne Vixens history. Sophie Garbin’s dominant performance was recognised with Player of the Match.

THE NUMBERS
200 - Kate Moloney played her 200th game, a major milestone for the Vixens skipper with all games played for the Melbourne Vixens.

THE COACH SAYS
Di Honey spoke on the Vixens performance

“I truly have a fantastic team and I believe in them and they believe in themselves. Every week they just find a way to win, it was pretty impressive that last quarter.”

Di on Kate's journey to 200 games.

“I just remember when we first recruiter her and she was on crutches, she joked.”

“She’s just the best captain/leader that a club could wish for. She’s so inclusive of her teammates and loves her teammates.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will face Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday 16 May at UniSC Arena.

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